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Abu Dhabi: Close on the heels of her triumph in a Sunday's 10km race in Puerto Rico, current Half Marathon record holder Lorna Kiplagat of The Netherlands feels Abu Dhabi could see a new mark today in the Zayed International Marathon.
"The climate is very good and the course is flat. These are ideal conditions and with the prize money being a big draw, some of the top runners are here. It would be nice if I could win in a new timing," said the 33-year-old Kenyan-born, who is now married to Pieter Langerhorst.
Pieter is her trainer and the two are here to plot another triumph for the soft-spoken champion.
Speaking to Gulf News yesterday, Kiplagat said she does not feel any pressure being the favourite. "I have been racing for over 15 years now and I know how to handle the pressure."
Kiplagat said Dutch runner Hilda Kabet, Britain's Nathalia Harvey and Ethiopian pair of Gate Wami and Atsede Habtamu are all capable of winning today's 21-km run.
Commenting on the differing tactics for a full Marathon and a Half Marathon, Kiplagat said, "In a 42-km race, you have to take it easy. You start easy and then you can pace yourself. You have to start fast in a 21km race. As long as you know you can hold your speed, you can set the pace from the beginning."
"When I train for a 42-km event I do over 200 kms a week but for a Half marathon I average about 100-120 kms per week," she said.
The Dutch ace said she trains for most part in the US and briefly in Kenya and in The Netherlands.
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